In response to those two posters...Roanoke was my first show as well pickles....and I agree brookeok, it was a cool little city tucked amongst mountains. The arena was relatively small as well..internet says 10000 for 'seating' --so on the small side for the band to play (especially compared to what followed after summer 87). For a first show, being somewhat clueless, did not appreciate completely what I witnessed... a fun Scar- Fire.... a crazy-truckin-comes a time out of space...two great post space Jerry tunes...comes a time not showing up that often on set lists in years 87 and beyond. We drove up from Jacksonville Florida -- as we covered the several hundred mile drive -- I wondered what 'it' was all about (it being the scene, the crowd, the music, all of it...why did my friend tape shows? why had he traveled the country coast to coast, what was I about to experience) My 'vision' did not match the experience...so much more than I thought....After this show I was "all in'...from the parking lot (no police hassles...that I witnessed) scene being wide open with fun goodies to be had easily -- to the energy in the coliseum -- to the quality of the music -- there was zero chance that these would be my only shows....lol...I assure you that I offer it 4 stars given the quality of the music...not that it was my first experience of the 'circus' -- give it a listen and let me know if 4 stars is not 'earned' Both nights are worth listening to/downloading

Not big on the sound of this..but..never had such a good time in my life before! Slept right in the parking lot 3 straight nights..no hassles and no worries..Used the swimming pool each night after the shows, in walking distance from the venue..classic diving contests each night and the next morning you could find money floating around..An oasis in that sleepy southern town if I ever heard of one!! We had to sell the speakers at a gas station on the way home..to get home!! Those were the days! We were parked next to these freaks from Wyoming and they were such a blast! A great stop in the summer full of stadium shows!! Soooo glad I made it..oh yeah and this night we were up front and a guy with like a 1/2 oz of XTC just letting anyone close to him DIP in!! God Bless the generous freaks and God Bless the Grateful Dead..Forever Grateful>Forever Dead!! Lifer>>>>>@!@!@!

We had Fred the skeleton with us at this run. Fred made the front page of the Roanoke Times. If you can recall we placed Fred on the hood of the truck and placed a tambourine in his lap. The stuff found in it was amazing! This was a HOT show!

Not only was it hot outside, it was real hot inside. It was the first time the Dead used their new indoor setup, which they used for the rest of the 80's into the 90's. Perhaps on of the best Looks Like Rain ever. A gem of shows in the middle of the large arena tour..

I was there. The transmission in my car blew out on the way and I had to make the last few miles in 1st or 2nd gear.

What I remember most was the killer US Blues which was a year to the day from the terrable RFK experience the year before.

i was at this show and it was such a small place it was like a clubhouse with all your friends iwas peakin so hard during the first set i could not see the band!!!lol!!just the stage with limegreen and orange zig zag patterns all night!!!the music was hot, blew foxboro off the map few days earlier...1/2 step is jamming the whole show smokes,check it out!!! peace.

Typical of some '87 shows, the heavy energy comes across really very well on this recording. Great stuff. Download this show!

Is the orchestra cuing up?

1st Set: Yay! This was always mustached bunnies tossin' dough, song..."Finiculi" (excellent 5-22-77, DP #3 into Music...that's hot disco) Let's get friendly together with the shared beloved enigma known as "Mississippi." The drummers have found the perfect beat, and are adorning the outro magnificently. Yes!! we're steamrolling and 'on our way...' Can we say 'standout?' "Walkin'" on, the groove is thick. Once "Candyman" starts climax, it's an over-the-top pleasure. Again, great drumming tonight. "Esau" is fine, despite some early lyric issues. "Push," eh, you know the story..."Uncle" is bad-ass and mean..."Mexicali"'s got some bite while maintaining the tight energetic feel..."Bird" is not as gentle as some ones, but it's certainly contoured with strength and grace. Healy's adding some bird-chirping. "Promised" is a keen way to end this enjoyably professional, inexplicably 'on' set.

2nd Set: Nice change of selection pace opening up with a tightly jammed out "West." Jerry's leading the charge. Great, unexpected lay-down on the "Cumberland" call. It's loose that contrasts the structure of the previous and next tune, "LLR." Good spot as well as a 'power ballad' tone increased the virility of "Bird." Bobby really has to be heard from 7:30-on...as it's so god awfully funny even if you weren't on blueberry. Yea, it weaves its away around a perfectly paced "Eyes" intro. The experience merits pride even if it's only a typically short '87. "Drums/Space" pass, as they will... At 8:35 Bobby does a definite "Victim" tease. It comes and goes for the next 45 seconds. "The Wheel" starts cooking about 3:00... "Gimme" causes a commotion . "Morning" stirs me quietly, but I'm feeling a bland storm hovering through my cloudy head. "Lovelight" tickles me pretty, it gets frenetically Intense at 4:35.

Even Jerry' voice has some bullish snappers tonight during a slide-infused delightful "US Blues."

A very good show, 3 1/2 stars rounded up to four because I like how the boys are sounding.

I am real glad I made the Roanoke shows. Both were great and the town looked great tucked ito those mountains. The venue was really tiny like with an echoey sound. The Dead were cranking and seemed really upbeat and into it. Wonderful time and great music.

I need that Scarlet Fire, Crazy Fingers, and Comes A Time!!!!

I am a Roanoker now but at the time was a DC Head, born and raised. I remember these shows vividly. I had made the Pittsburgh show and thought there was no way to top that show at the time. I still had the Roanoke and JFK shows to attend. I indeed was excited about another 2 nites in doors during summer tour. I arrived in Roanoke and the City police asked if they let us drive this hunk of SHIT car up in Arlington. We said, why yes they do. We parked in parking lot next to guy with a skeleton. Does anybody remember the skeletons name?
Anyway the first nite was such a fun show and couldnt wait to hear next nite. The next nite proved to be one of my Favorite shows ever. I can't wait for a good version of it to appear.
Thanks for letting me ramble and cant wait for 7-8-87 seed.

I just remember the shows were awesome and that the Miss Virginia Pageant was in town next to the Civic Center!!!! What a Bizarre mix! I think Miss Albermarle got lost! Great Shows!

these Roanoke shows are hot. i hope we can get the second night up ;-)